non-permanent
Will eventually end
Non-permanent describes something not intended to last indefinitely.
A non-permanent dye washes out over time.
Non-permanent positions lack job security.
The term often appears in institutional contexts—non-permanent members of the UN Security Council serve rotating terms rather than holding fixed seats.
The hyphen distinguishes it from the less common solid form.
Able to be canceled
- cancelableAble to be terminated
- rescindableCapable of annulment
- annullableAble to be invalidated
- retractableAble to draw inward
undoable · changeable · alterable · modifiable · amendable · adjustable · erasable · removable
Passing very quickly
- ephemeralLasting very briefly
- momentaryLasting very briefly
- briefShort in duration
- passingMoving by or temporary
evanescent · transitory · short-lived · fugitive · vanishing · meteoric · flitting · swift
Limited in duration
- interimProvisional in-between phase
- stopgapTemporary substitute measure
- makeshiftTemporary, improvised substitute
- tentativeUncertain and provisional
conditional · experimental · pilot · trial · pro tem · acting · substitute · placeholder
Liable to sudden change
- precariousDangerously insecure
- fluctuatingShifting irregularly over time
- variableProne to fluctuation
- mutableAble to be changed
shifting · inconstant · unsteady · uncertain · unpredictable · insecure · tenuous · fragile
revocable
Able to be canceled
- cancelableAble to be terminated
- rescindableCapable of annulment
- annullableAble to be invalidated
retractable · undoable · changeable · alterable · modifiable · amendable · adjustable · erasable · removable · detachable
fleeting
Passing very quickly
passing · evanescent · transitory · short-lived · fugitive · vanishing · meteoric · flitting · swift · fading
temporary
Limited in duration
- interimProvisional in-between phase
- stopgapTemporary substitute measure
- makeshiftTemporary, improvised substitute
tentative · conditional · experimental · pilot · trial · pro tem · acting · substitute · placeholder · bridging
volatile
Liable to sudden change
- precariousDangerously insecure
- fluctuatingShifting irregularly over time
- variableProne to fluctuation
mutable · shifting · inconstant · unsteady · uncertain · unpredictable · insecure · tenuous · fragile · shaky